JP2014528764A - Portable steam generating electronic device and steam generating method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a portable vapor generating electronic device that converts a chemical from a liquid to a gas so that a user can inhale the active ingredient to obtain a therapeutic or medicinal effect. The apparatus includes a power module, a primary module, and an auxiliary module, which are separately accommodated in a plurality of hollow exterior cases and united with each other, or collectively accommodated in one hollow exterior case. Is done. The primary module includes an anode unit, a cask unit, and a heater unit. The anode unit is in contact with the battery and has a hollow anode tube that is permanently fixed in place, a cathode unit that is in contact with the heater unit and permanently fixed in place, and the anode in contact And an anode stage that moves between a state in contact with the cathode and a state in contact with the cathode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

〔Technical field〕
The present invention relates generally to the field of evaporators, and more particularly to portable vapor generating electronics.

[Background Technology]
Chemicals containing therapeutic or medicinal ingredients are conventionally carried into the body in the solid or liquid form by oral, infusion or absorption through the skin. Liquid chemicals can also be converted to gases that can be carried into the body by oral inhalation through processes of combustion and evaporation.

  Inhalation of gaseous substances can have a therapeutically desirable effect, but can also result in psychological dependence. This occurs especially when the inhaled substance contains psychologically dependent chemicals or drugs such as nicotine or cannabis.

  It is known that the process of burning a substance into a gas causes the effectiveness of some of the active ingredients to disappear or decrease, and thus the effectiveness of the process may be impaired. The combustion process generates by-products such as carbon monoxide, tar, and other well-known carcinogens and suspected carcinogens, putting the health of the user and those around him at risk. There is also.

  Due to known or suspected health risks associated with inhaling substances vaporized by the combustion process, users are often banished socially and their inhalation behavior is regulated or completely prohibited Because of the increasingly aggressive targets of law.

  There are ways to evaporate or heat instead of burning the material. Many devices have been developed for users who wish to inhale substances vaporized by such methods. However, many of these devices, often referred to as evaporators, are not designed to be portable or used as frequently and easily as cigarettes or marijuana tobacco.

  Prior art examples of typical evaporators include “Thermal Vaporization Method and Apparatus” of US Pat. No. 7,445,007 (inventor: Balch et al.) And US Pat. No. 6,761,164 (Invention). One: Amirpour's “Herbal Vaporizer”. The literature Balch and the literature Amirpour disclose a device comprising a mouthpiece that is driven by connecting to an electrostatic AC outlet and used by a user to inhale the generated vapor.

  More recently, portable evaporators have been used for use cases where a stock solution containing nicotine as an active ingredient is used. The purpose of these devices is to provide nicotine to the user without the health risks associated with the combustion process by simulating tobacco, including cigarettes. These devices are not normally intended for use as a method of transporting substances other than nicotine.

  These devices have technology that is simply indicated as a battery that drives an internal coil or wire that heats the moisture contained in the air drawn into the device by the user's inhalation action. By inhaling, the generated water vapor or steam is drawn into the user's mouth and lungs through a mouthpiece having a net-like cartridge in which the stock solution is impregnated.

  If the mesh cartridge soaked with liquid is near the heater, the liquid can eventually be evaporated. However, normally, the water vapor generated from these devices does not contain any liquid active ingredients, and the user will inhale the water vapor together with liquid particles that have not evaporated. Another disadvantage of this design is that the mesh cartridge is exposed to an external air flow that causes unintentional evaporation.

  In the mesh cartridge, the user can manually refill the liquid material. However, this is dangerous for the following reasons.

  That is, liquid may spill during the replenishment operation, and the active ingredient may contaminate the skin and nearby surfaces, thereby jeopardizing the health of the user and the surrounding people.

  In addition, by using a reticulated cartridge containing too much liquid, the liquid flows backward when the user inhales through the apparatus, and as a result, the user excessively ingests the active ingredient.

  If too much liquid is put into the mesh cartridge, the liquid may ooze out from the mesh and contaminate or damage the electronic equipment inside the apparatus.

  These devices do not have means to control the form (liquid or vapor), quantity, and quality of the active ingredient that is sent to the user and aspirated to the user, and further the user's health risks, Or it does not have means for introducing active ingredients into the device so as not to risk damaging the device.

  These devices are also methods for controlling or monitoring the intake of active ingredients, although they are often intended for use as instruments to gradually reduce or eliminate such active ingredient intake. It does not have.

  Furthermore, the design of these devices has the following disadvantages.

  That is, there is no mechanism for preventing an unexpected situation where a child uses the device.

  In addition, by touching the outside air flow, dust particles and moisture come into contact with the internal electrical components, and the stock solution is contaminated.

  The device activation system is also based on an air flow sensor that is a trigger that activates the heater when the user takes air into the device, and always draws power from the battery when the device is not in use. As a result, the life of the battery is reduced and the life of the device is also reduced.

  Also, the internal components of the device are susceptible to overheating and burnout, which can cause combustion, which can pose health risks that would have been prevented by using these devices.

  A portable electronic evaporation device that circumvents the above limitations can inhale chemicals vaporized by the user for the purpose of obtaining therapeutic or medicinal effects without causing the health and safety problems associated with existing devices. Enable. Such devices also have the advantage of being a more reliable consumer product because they are less susceptible to damage if used in normal use.

  No. 2012/0090630 (inventor: Lik) “Flameless Electronic Atomizing Cigarette” and US Pat. No. 7,732,410 (inventor: Lik) A portable evaporation device based on the above is disclosed. U.S. Pat. No. 8,156,944 (inventor: Han) discloses a similar portable evaporation device that combines an air flow sensor and a nebulizer. Similarly, PCT Application No. PCT / US2008 / 059299 (inventor: Paterno et al.) Is a portable evaporation device based on a configuration in which steam is generated when air passes over a coil heated by a rechargeable battery. Is disclosed. A mechanism for monitoring use of the device and battery life is also disclosed.

  Each portable evaporator has a configuration that generates steam when air is drawn into a chamber that includes a microprocessing device configured to activate a battery in response to an air flow and thereby provide power to a heating element. It is disclosed. Thereafter, the vapor is further drawn into the chamber and passes through a reusable cartridge containing nicotine-based liquid for inhalation by the user.

[Summary of the Invention]
In general, the present invention relates to a portable vapor generating electronic device that converts a chemical from a liquid to a gas so that a user can inhale active ingredients to obtain a therapeutic or medicinal effect.

  Embodiments of the present invention include a power module, a primary module, and an auxiliary module, which are separately housed and fixed together in a hollow outer case, or collectively in one hollow outer case. Be contained.

  The outer case is cylindrical or tubular and includes a distal end cap fixed to the end of the power module and a proximal end cap fixed to the end of the auxiliary module.

  The power module includes a disposable or rechargeable battery that can be inserted or removed through a distal end cap.

  The primary module includes an anode unit, a cask unit, and a heater unit.

  The anode unit includes the following.

1) a hollow anode barrel that is in electrical contact with the battery and secured in a suitable position;
2) a cathode platform in electrical contact with the heater unit and fixed in a suitable position;
3) An anode stage that can move between the anode cylinder and the cathode stage.

  The anode cylinder and the anode base have magnets that attract each other (opposite polarity), so that when the device is not activated, the anode base pulls the anode cylinder away from the cathode and closes the circuit Therefore, it does not come into contact with the cathode base.

  The cask unit includes a mesh plug filled with a stock solution via a one-way valve, and the mesh plug is accessible from a cut portion of the outer case.

  The heater unit includes a metal coil that is heated when the apparatus is activated.

  The auxiliary module includes a mouthpiece and a monitoring unit, which includes a printed circuit board, a battery, an LED display, a USB port, a moisture sensor, and a thumb fingerprint reader. It is good also as a structure.

  To activate the device, the user inhales air through the mouthpiece in the auxiliary module, whereby air is drawn into the device through the upper and lower cutout portions of the outer casing. . The anode stage is pulled forward by the pressure of the air flow, so that the anode stage contacts the anode stage to close the circuit and the device is activated.

  As air continues to flow through the apparatus, the air is drawn into the mesh plug of the cask unit, and the air is moistened with the stock solution at the mesh plug. The air then passes through a heater unit, where the air is heated to generate water vapor. Finally, it passes through the mouthpiece of the auxiliary module that is inhaled by the user.

  The monitor module component of the auxiliary module calculates, stores, and displays data on the number of start-ups of the device, the quality and quantity of the generated steam vapor, and the moisture level remaining in the mesh plug. Work together to work.

  A portable steam generator for converting a liquid into a gas to be aspirated by a user, the battery, a first anode member electrically connected to the battery, and a cathode remote from the first anode member An anode unit having a movable anode member that can be moved from a first position not in contact with the cathode to a second position in contact with the cathode and attracted to the first anode member by a magnetic force; A case that houses a cask, a heating element, the battery, the anode unit, the cask, and the heating element, has an air inlet and a mouthpiece, and defines a path of air flow through the cask unit. Air passing through the air flow path is moistened by the liquid, and the air flow passes by the heating element. The heating element is configured to heat the liquid material to generate steam, and the air flow is configured to pass through the mouthpiece. Provided is a portable steam generator configured such that the movable anode member moves from a first position to a second position when entering from the mouth.

  The cask may include a refillable liquid storage container having a storage cavity, a protruding needle, a one-way valve, and a mesh plug suitable for absorbing liquid. The case may be configured to prevent the liquid material in the storage cavity from contacting the user in a liquid state. The liquid storage cavity may be separated from the mouthpiece by the heating element.

  The steam generator may include an air intake control switch for adjusting the amount of air drawn into the apparatus. The liquid may be stored in a replaceable or removable container. It may be configured to generate electricity to drive the device when air is drawn into the anode unit.

  A battery-driven portable vapor generating electronic device that converts a liquid into a gas to be aspirated by a user, the battery, a cask unit for holding the liquid, and a heating element that heats and vaporizes the liquid There is provided a portable vapor generating electronic device configured to include a heating unit having a switch and a switch for starting the heating element.

  The liquid may be configured to contain an active ingredient that can be heated to become a gas sucked by a user for the purpose of obtaining a therapeutic effect or a medicinal effect. The apparatus includes a first part and a second part case chamber for accommodating a power source such as a battery, a cask unit, a heating unit, and a switch, and the first and second part case chambers are mutually connected. It may be configured to form one first case chamber that is snap-fit and is surrounded by first and second end caps.

  The power source may be configured as a disposable or rechargeable battery that can be inserted and removed by removing the distal end cap. The switch includes an anode in electrical contact with the battery, a cathode, and a movable connection member in contact with the anode, and the connection member is spaced from the connection member and the cathode. The first position and the second position where the movable member is connected to the cathode to complete the circuit may be movable. The movable member may be attracted to the anode by a magnetic force and may move to the second position when air passes through the device.

  The apparatus may include a second switch that can be activated by a user, and the second switch may be provided with a partition for preventing activation of the heating element when activated. The second switch may be configured to install a partition between the movable member and the cathode in order to prevent activation of the heating element.

  The cask unit includes a first cavity and a one-way valve, and the first cavity has a needle that opens a hole in a capsule containing liquid installed in the first cavity. Via the one-way valve, the liquid in the capsule may be allowed to flow into a second cavity having a cotton mesh plug for absorbing and holding the liquid.

  The heating element unit is a metal coil covered with a mesh, and the ceramic outer surface is wrapped with a cylindrical outer surface. Therefore, the structure to vaporize may be sufficient. The steam generator may be configured to include a mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece includes a hole extending over the length of the mouthpiece, through which air is drawn into the case chamber by a user's inhalation action, It may be configured to pass through a heating unit that evaporates the liquid so that the user can inhale through the liquid in the cask unit.

  The steam generator includes a second non-rechargeable battery, a printed circuit board, a microprocessor, a moisture sensor having a probe, an LED light, an LED display panel, a button, an air flow sensor, an audio signal, A configuration may be provided that includes a USB port and a thumb print reader.

  The switch includes an anode in electrical contact with the battery, a cathode, and a ball bearing. The ball bearing includes a first position where the ball bearing is not in contact with the anode and the cathode, and the ball. The bearing may be movable between a second position in contact with the anode and the cathode, and the ball bearing may be biased to the first position by a magnetic force. When air is drawn into the case by the activation of the switch, the vapor air is drawn into the cask unit to take in droplets, and is drawn into a heating unit that heats the moisture-containing air to obtain vapor, And the structure which goes out of the said apparatus through a mouthpiece may be sufficient.

  The steam generator may include a mouthpiece, a battery, a switch, a cask unit, and a heating unit, or may be configured such that they are aligned in a case. The apparatus may include a second heating unit, and the cask unit may be positioned between the first heating unit and the second heating unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]
In order to assist the understanding of the present invention, the drawings showing the embodiments of the present invention are attached. Each drawing is merely an example, and the present invention should not be limited to any embodiment, and is not necessarily to scale. The drawings show some forms of the present specification.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a steam generator according to the present invention.

  FIG. 2 is a disassembled front perspective view of the steam generator of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the steam generator of the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear view of the steam generator of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 is a front exploded perspective view of the upper surface of the steam generator of the present invention.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the upper surface of the steam generator of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 is a front disassembled perspective view of the primary module.

  FIG. 8 is a front exploded perspective view of the primary module.

  FIG. 9 is a rear disassembled perspective view of the primary module.

  FIG. 10 is a rear exploded perspective view of the primary module.

  FIG. 11 is a front exploded view of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
Generally, the device according to the present invention is a portable vapor generating device that vaporizes a liquid so that an active ingredient contained in the liquid is sent to a user and inhaled to obtain a therapeutic effect or medicinal effect. .

  The apparatus may be implemented in many different forms, and the embodiments described herein are merely examples of disclosing the present invention to meet applicable legal requirements, and the apparatus may be It should not be construed as limited to form.

  This device has a purpose or intent for its use. Although the intended purpose may vary, it is usually to turn the liquid into a gas that is visible as a fine mist and can be inhaled by the user to obtain therapeutic and / or medicinal effects. Use of the device includes the physical act of inhalation, inhalation, or retraction by the user to send air from the mouth to the lungs.

  The present invention includes the use of a liquid that can be vaporized by heat treatment. There are various kinds of the liquid material. The liquid may not contain any active substance, or may contain ingredients that have no therapeutic or medicinal effects. The liquid material may contain one type of active ingredient or a combination or mixture of active ingredients. The liquid material may or may not contain an additive for adding odor or taste.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numeral indicates the same element. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” should be construed to include the plural meanings.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying FIGS.

1 and 2 show an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, typically a cylindrical or tubular device resembling tobacco. The device
A distal end cap (2);
A power module (M1) including an outer case (1);
A primary module (M2) comprising an exterior case (6);
An auxiliary module (M3) comprising an outer case (38);
A proximal end cap (39).

  The shape and size of the device can vary and typical embodiments are typically tubular, resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar, about 12 cm long and about 1.5 cm in diameter.

  The outer case (1) (6) (38) of the power module (M1), the primary module (M2), and the auxiliary module (M3) are individually joined by friction fitting or screwing structure (not shown). It may be a part or may be grouped as one case. The exterior cases (1), (6), and (38) can be made of a heat-resistant non-alloy or alloy (for example, polycarbonate, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), and have an aesthetically preferable surface (not shown), Teflon It may be covered with a heat resistant material such as (registered trademark). Cases (1), (6) and (38) need not be made of metal and need not play any role in the electrical or electronic function of the device.

  The distal end cap (2) and the mouthpiece side proximal end cap (39) are maintained in place by a friction fit, snap fit, or threaded structure (not shown). The distal end cap may include an LED light (not shown) that indicates that the device is in operation.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the embodiment of the present invention, the power module (M1) includes a battery unit (A1), and the battery unit includes a battery base (3) for holding a battery, and a battery flex circuit (4). And a battery (5). The battery (5) may be disposable or rechargeable, as shown in FIG. 2, by removing the distal end cap (2) from the outer case (1), or the case (1 ) Can be inserted into the battery unit (A1) or removed from the battery unit (A1).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the primary module (M2) includes an anode unit (A2) that sends power from the battery (5) to the heating element (37) and a cask unit (A3) that stores liquid (A3). ) And a heater unit (A4) (heater assembly) in which the liquid material is heated to generate vapor for inhalation.

  The anode unit (A2) is hollow and is fixed at an appropriate place, and an anode cylinder (13) wired with the battery (5), a cathode base (22), a cathode And an anode pin base (16) that moves so as to contact the base (22). Since the anode cylinder part (13) and the anode pin base (16) have magnets of opposite polarities, they are attracted to each other when not in a vacuum state.

  The switch (20) extends outside the case (6) and can be installed between the cathode base (22) and the anode pin base (16), so the user switches the switch (20) to activate the device. The switch (20) prevents contact between the cathode base (22) and the anode pin base (16). As a result, the device is prevented from unintentionally starting up and wasting battery power.

  When air is drawn into the device through the air intake holes (10b) and (10c), a vacuum state is created so that the anode pin base (16) in contact with the anode tube portion (13) comes into contact with the cathode base (22). Move to. As a result, the circuit is completed, and power is supplied from the battery (5) to the heater unit (A4).

  In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5, the cask unit (A3) is located between the anode unit (A2) and the heater unit (A4). In other embodiments of the present invention, the heater unit (A4) may be located between the anode unit (A2) and the cask unit (A3). In another embodiment of the invention, more than one heater unit (A4) may be provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the auxiliary module (M3) includes a mouthpiece base (42), a mouthpiece airflow pipe (43), a mouthpiece, and a monitor unit (A5). The monitor unit (A5) includes a circuit board (44), a battery flex circuit (45), a battery (46), an LED display (47), and a USB port (48). The case (38) of the auxiliary module (M3) has a cut-out portion for the LED display and a cut-out portion for the USB port. A monitor LED display cover (40) and a monitor USB port cover (not shown) may be provided.

  The mouthpiece base (42) includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mouthpiece moisture probe opening (probe aperture). The mouthpiece and the monitor unit (A5) are provided with a mouthpiece airflow pipe (43) that is closed with a plastic or rubber filling, and the user inhales or sucks up through the mouthpiece airflow pipe (43). Steam is drawn. The end of the mouthpiece airflow tube (43) is located away from the heater unit (A4) for safety and to prevent non-evaporated liquid from entering the user's mouth.

  The heater unit (A4) includes an evaporator base (32) and an evaporator anode line (34). As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the heater unit (A4) further includes an evaporator cathode (33), an evaporator heating element (37), a first evaporator table airflow magnet (35), The second evaporator has a counterflow linear magnet (36). The evaporator heating element (37) is a metal coil covered with a thin wire mesh, and cool air and droplets containing liquid substances such as active ingredients of the evaporator heating element (37) are drawn into the evaporator heating element (37). Except for one end and the opposite end from which the steam is drawn by the user, it is fully encased in a ceramic insulator. The magnets (35) and (36) have opposite polarities and close to each other (including dust and the like) when the device is not operating to prevent unintentional backflow of air into the cask unit. The magnets (35) and (36) are separated from each other by air pressure, and as a result, air enters the cask chamber (30). The magnets (35) (36) also provide a safety layer against unintended liquid leakage if the device has not been used for a long time. In other embodiments of the invention, rubber walls or filters can be used in place of the magnets (35) (36). However, in still other embodiments, when the apparatus is activated, the cask chamber 30 is mechanically moved from the closed position to the open position, for example, by a manual switch (not shown) or by a circuit completed by the anode unit (A2). It can be set as the structure moved to.

  The cask unit (A3) includes a cask base (29), a cask chamber (30), and a cask one-way valve (31). The cask unit (A3) further includes a needle (not shown). The user can place a small plastic capsule containing a liquid that may contain the active ingredient in the cask chamber (30). The needle pierces the capsule so that the liquid is absorbed through a one-way valve (31) into a cotton mesh plug or another water-containing plug.

  In yet another embodiment, an outflow prevention plug (not shown) can be part of the cask unit (A3). When air pressure is applied by the air flow, the plug opens and the liquid comes out. When the air pressure reaches normal pressure, the stopper is closed again so that liquid does not flow out of the cask unit (A3).

  The anode unit (A2) includes a cathode platform (22) partially covered by a cathode platform airflow cover (25) to control the airflow, and a cathode platform airflow cover (25) of the cathode platform (22). The cathode (23) is provided at the end opposite to the) side. The anode unit (A2) further includes a cathode platform airflow magnet (26), a first cathode platform airflow cover guide rod (27) for installing the cover (25), and a second cathode platform airflow cover guide. Rod (28).

  The anode switch (20) including the anode switch guide rod (21) is located between the cathode base (22) and the anode cylinder part (13). A first anode air flow tube (14) and a second anode air flow tube (15) are adjacent to the anode switch (20), and the first anode air flow tube (14) and the second anode air flow tube (15) The air passes through the anode pin base (16), the first anode pin base magnet (17), the second anode pin base magnet (18), and the anode pin (19). The anode pin (19) is sized to enter the anode cylinder (13). As a result, the anode pin (19) partially enters the anode cylinder (13) when the vacuum state is reached. The anode cylinder part (13) is contacted in the state where it is present, thereby completing the circuit with the cathode base (22). As another embodiment, the anode cylinder (13) may have an annular shape so that the anode pin (19) can move through the anode cylinder (13).

  The first anode air intake control switch (8) and the second anode air intake control switch (9) are located on the opposed surfaces of the anode cylinder base (10). The first anode cylinder base magnet (11) and the second anode cylinder base magnet (12) are at one end of the anode cylinder portion (13). Since the anode cylinder base magnets (11) and (12) and the anode pin base magnets (17) and (18) are opposite in polarity, they are configured to attract each other. Therefore, in a state where there is no force acting reversely depending on the vacuum state, the anode pin (19) is drawn into the anode cylinder portion (13) and is stationary, and the contact with the cathode base (22) is cut off.

  Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the primary module (M2) is shown in more detail. The anode cylinder base (10) includes an upper part (10a) and a lower part (10b). The first air intake hole (10c) and the second air intake hole (10d) are arranged to correspond to the first air intake control and the second air intake control switch (9), respectively. The anode cylinder base (10) further includes a first air flow port (10d) and a second air flow port (10e).

  The anode pin base (16) includes a first anode pin air flow port (16a) for ventilation and a second anode pin air flow port (16b).

  The cathode base (22) includes a cathode upper part (22a) and a cathode lower part (22b). The cathode base (22) has a guide rod port (22c), a lead port (22f), a first cathode air flow hole (22d), and a second cathode air flow so that air flows through the cathode base (22). It has a large number of openings including holes (22e).

  The cathode base airflow cover (25) further includes an opening for receiving the guide rod (27), that is, a first cover guide rod hole (25a) and a second cover guide rod hole (25b). .

  The cask base (29) of the cask unit (A3) includes an upper part (29a), a lower part (29b), a cask base moisture probe port (29c) for installing a moisture probe (not shown), and a cathode (23). The cask base anode lead port (29d) for installing the wire from The cask chamber (30) has a corresponding cask chamber moisture probe port (30a) for receiving a moisture probe. The moisture probe can measure the amount of moisture remaining in the capsule in the cask chamber (30).

  The evaporator stand (32) of the evaporator unit (A4) includes an upper part (32a), a lower part (32b), an evaporator moisture probe port (32c) for installing a moisture probe, and a first evaporator anode lead. A second evaporator anode lead port (32e) for installing a port (32d), a wire from the cathode (23), a main air flow port for controlling the air flow in the evaporator unit, a first An auxiliary air flow port and a second auxiliary air flow port are provided. When the air flow approaches the evaporator unit, the magnets (35) and (36) are pushed back together, and the air flow enters the evaporator table and passes through the air outlets described above.

  The mouthpiece and the monitor unit (A5) have a large number of parts for efficient use of the apparatus. As described above, the mouthpiece and the monitor unit (A5) include a battery (46) (which may not be rechargeable), a printed circuit board including a microprocessor (44), an air flow sensor (not shown), An LED light (not shown), an LED display (47), a button (not shown) protruding from the case of the device, a moisture probe, and a USB port (48) can be provided.

  The battery (46) supplies power to components other than the mouthpiece and the monitor unit (A5). A moisture probe is installed in the mesh plug and is used by the circuit board (44) to determine when the LED is activated when the mesh plug is dry.

  The air flow sensor may be configured to emit an audio signal when a user inhales air and activates the device. In this way, when someone uses the device without permission, it can serve as an alarm and serve as a safety measure for the child.

  The microprocessing device and circuit board (44) use an LED display (47) to show the user information such as battery life, number of inhalations, current moisture level, device usage time, and the like.

  If a non-rechargeable battery (46) is used, it will last for as long as a cotton braid is available. Therefore, when the battery runs out, it is necessary to replace the device, and the user can be notified accordingly.

  The protruding button can be used by the user to switch the display on the LED display, reset the number of inhalations, and turn on / off the audio signal.

  The USB port (48) is used to connect a computer with appropriate software capable of communicating with the microprocessor to the device and inform the user of usage information. The software is configured to display to the user graphs and diagrams suitable for showing such information.

  FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention having a preheating chamber (37a). The preheating chamber (37a) receives an air flow before the air enters the cask unit (A3) and the evaporator table (32). By preheating the air, more droplets from the cotton mesh plug can be retained.

  The preheating chamber (37a) functions as a spare chamber provided in the vicinity of the cask chamber (30) for receiving any liquid leakage from the cask chamber (30) and preventing the liquid material from flowing into the apparatus. Can do.

  In driving, the user draws air through the mouthpiece airflow tube (43). The amount of air drawn in can be adjusted by the first and second air intake control switches (8, 9). This air flow creates a vacuum and draws the anode pin base (16) to the cathode base (22).

  When the anode pin base (16) contacts the cathode base (23), the circuit is completed and the apparatus is activated. When the vacuum state is over, the first and second anode cylinder base magnets (11, 12) return the anode pin base (16) to the original rest position to open the circuit. The circuit activates the evaporator heating element (37) to evaporate air containing liquid droplets from the cotton mesh plug.

  In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11, as described above, once the circuit is activated, the preheating chamber (37a) is activated by the completed circuit and begins to heat the air. The warmed air touches the fibers immersed in the liquid from the capsule. Air containing droplets of the active ingredient suspension enters the evaporator stage (32). In the evaporator stage (32), warm and humid air is created, which is atomized and contains liquid active ingredients and is sent to the user through the mouthpiece.

  In another embodiment (not shown) of the present invention, the capsule may include a fiberglass rope for connecting the preheating chamber (37a) and the evaporator base (32).

  In an embodiment of the invention, the capsule can be sold as an insertable unit with the evaporator unit (A4) and / or the preheating chamber (37a).

  It should be noted that the air flow through the device is controlled. Air enters from one location through the air intake holes (10b) (10c), passes through the device to collect droplets contained in the mesh plug, and passes through the mouthpiece before exiting the device through the heating element (37 ) Is evaporated. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the air flow is directed into the preheating chamber (37a) before absorbing the water in the mesh plug.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, instead of the air intake control switches (8) and (9), they can be screwed to adjust the air flow manually. The screw can be used to close the air intake hole (10b) (10c), thereby preventing the device from being used until the air intake hole is opened, thus preventing children from using the device. Used to Since the inhalation amount can be adjusted, the hole in the cigarette filter for adjusting the resistance when inhaling is reproduced, and the user can reproduce the smoking experience.

  In still other embodiments of the invention, springs and / or shapes instead of or in addition to magnets (11), (12), (17), (18), or magnets (11), (12), (17), (18). A memory form can also be used. For example, the spring can be used to pull the anode pin base (16) into the anode tube (13). Sponge or shape memory foam can also be used for similar purposes.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, an alternative to the anode unit (A2) may be provided. For example, a magnetically attracted ball bearing can be drawn into a conical storage unit by air pressure to connect the anode and cathode to complete the circuit. In other embodiments, a movable mechanical switch operable from outside the device case can be utilized to activate the circuit. Other configurations may include circuits that are activated by sensing voice, movement or heat or moisture in the mouthpiece.

  As another embodiment of the present invention, the device may be configured to be used only by a user with the correct thumb fingerprint or voice. A thumb fingerprint reader (not shown) can be installed in the case of the apparatus, or the electronic device can be provided with a microphone.

  The above-described embodiments are presented as examples for clarifying the understanding of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that changes, modifications, and variations of the present invention can be made to the above-described embodiments within the scope of the invention specified in the claims appended hereto. .

It is a front perspective view of the steam generator in the present invention. It is a disassembled front perspective view of the steam generator of the present invention. It is a back perspective view of the steam generator of the present invention. It is a partial decomposition body rear view of the steam generator of this invention. It is a front exploded perspective view of the upper surface of the steam generator of the present invention. It is a back surface exploded perspective view of the upper surface of the steam generator of the present invention. It is a front disassembly perspective view of a primary module. It is a front exploded perspective view of a primary module. It is a back surface disassembly perspective view of a primary module. It is a back surface exploded perspective view of a primary module. It is a front disassembly figure of the steam generator concerning other embodiments of the present invention.

Claims (26)

A portable steam generator for converting liquid into a gas to be aspirated by a user,
Battery,
A first anode member electrically connected to the battery;
A cathode provided apart from the first anode member;
An anode unit having a movable anode member that is movable from a first position that does not contact the cathode to a second position that contacts the cathode and is attracted to the first anode member by a magnetic force;
A cask that stores liquids,
A heating element;
A case for accommodating the battery, the anode unit, the cask, and the heating element, having an air inlet and a mouthpiece, and defining a path of air flow through the cask unit, Air passing through an air flow path is moistened by the liquid material, the air flow passes by the heating element, the heating element heats the liquid material to generate steam, and the air flow is a mouthpiece. And a case configured to pass through,
From the first position of the movable anode member by air pressure for drawing air into the air inlet and closing the circuit to activate the heating element by the user's inhalation action through the mouthpiece. Pulling into position 2,
The air is drawn into the cask moistened by the liquid material and drawn into the heating element that heats the air to generate steam sucked by the user through the mouthpiece, and the inhaling action is terminated. The portable steam generator is characterized in that the movable anode member is drawn into the first anode member by a magnetic force and is stationary at the first position. The cask is
A refillable liquid storage container having a storage cavity;
A protruding needle,
A one-way valve;
The steam generator according to claim 1, further comprising a mesh plug suitable for absorbing liquid.   The steam generator according to claim 2, wherein the case is configured to prevent the liquid material in the storage cavity from coming into contact with a user in a liquid state.   The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage cavity is separated from the mouthpiece by the heating element.   The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid material is drawn into the heating element by the pressure of an air flow.   6. A steam generator according to claim 5, wherein the direction of air flow is the same as the direction in which the liquid is drawn into the heating element.   The steam generator according to claim 1, further comprising an air intake control switch for adjusting an amount of air drawn into the apparatus.   The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is stored in a replaceable or removable container.   The steam generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the air is drawn into the anode unit, an electric power is generated to drive the apparatus. A battery-driven portable vapor generating electronic device that converts a liquid into a gas to be aspirated by a user,
Battery,
A cask unit for holding the liquid;
A heating unit having a heating element for heating and vaporizing the liquid;
A switch for activating the heating element;
A mouthpiece, and
The portable steam generating electronic device, wherein the heating unit is located between the mouthpiece and the cask unit.   11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the liquid contains an active ingredient that can be heated to become a gas sucked by a user for the purpose of obtaining a therapeutic effect or medicinal effect. First and second part case chambers for housing the battery;
A cask unit,
A heating unit;
A switch,
11. Steam generation according to claim 10, wherein the first and second parts snap together and form a first case chamber surrounded by first and second end caps. apparatus.   The steam generator of claim 10, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery that is insertable and removable by removing a distal end cap. The above switch
An anode in electrical contact with the battery;
A cathode,
A movable connecting member in contact with the anode, wherein the connecting member completes a circuit by connecting the connecting member and the cathode to a first position, and the connecting member is connected to the cathode. The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein the steam generator is movable between the second position and the second position.   The steam generating device according to claim 14, wherein the movable member is attracted to the anode by a magnetic force, and is configured to move to the second position when air passes through the device. . A second switch that can be activated by the user;
The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein the second switch is provided with a partition for preventing activation of the heating element when activated. A second switch that can be activated by the user;
The steam generator according to claim 15, wherein the second switch is provided with a partition between the movable member and the cathode in order to prevent the heating element from being activated when the second switch is activated. . The cask unit is
A first cavity;
A one-way valve,
The first cavity has a needle that pierces a capsule containing liquid installed in the first cavity, and the one-way valve passes the liquid in the capsule through the one-way valve. The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein the steam generator is caused to flow into a second cavity having a mesh plug for absorption.   The heating element unit is a metal coil covered with a thin net, and heats and sucks the air containing the liquid particles drawn and encased in the outer surface of the cylinder by a ceramic insulator. The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein the steam generator is vaporized.   The steam generator according to claim 19, wherein the heating element unit is contained in a polycarbonate cavity covered with a heat absorbing material to insulate the outside.   A heating unit further comprising a hole extending over the length of the mouthpiece, through which air is drawn into the case chamber by the user's inhaling action and passes by the liquid in the cask unit to evaporate the liquid so that the user can inhale The steam generator according to claim 12, wherein the steam generator is passed through. A second non-rechargeable battery;
A printed circuit board;
A microprocessor;
A moisture sensor having a probe configured to measure the amount of the liquid in the cask unit;
LED light,
An LED display panel;
Button and
An air flow sensor;
An audio signal,
The steam generator according to claim 10, further comprising a USB port.   The switch includes an anode in electrical contact with the battery, a cathode, and a ball bearing, the ball bearing in a first position not in contact with the anode and the cathode, and the ball bearing in contact with the anode. The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein the steam generator is movable from a second position in contact with the cathode, and the ball bearing is biased to the first position by a magnetic force.   The air is drawn into the case by the activation of the switch, drawn into the cask unit to take in the droplets, drawn into the heating unit, and the droplets are changed to vapor, and the device passes through the mouthpiece. The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein A mouthpiece,
The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein the battery, the switch, the cask unit, and the heating unit are arranged in this order in the case. A battery-driven portable vapor generating electronic device that converts a liquid into a gas to be aspirated by a user,
Battery,
A cask unit for holding the liquid;
A first heating unit having a heating element that heats and vaporizes the liquid;
A switch for activating the heating element;
Mouthpiece,
A second heating unit that heats the air passing through the apparatus in advance before reaching the cask unit;
The portable steam generating electronic device, wherein the first heating unit is located between the mouthpiece and the cask unit, and the second heating unit is located between the switch and the cask unit.

Images